London 6th form with film/tv opportunities?

[ramsamsam]

DD is in year 11 and I need to move her to a state school for A levels. She wants to do English, Psychology, drama , RE/ philosophy / theology type stuff but really her passion is film/tv. Can anyone recommend a good London state school for 6th form that has opportunities for people interested in film/tv? We live in St Johns Wood so closer is obviously better.

She might want to look at the London Screen Academy in Highbury (near Highbury & Islington tube). We have been to an open day and it’s a really impressive and inspiring place. See also excellent early Ofsted. I know several young people doing wonderful creative things there.

It’s not a traditional 6th form though - it’s a specialist career academy sponsored by the film industry with HM Treasury support (so free to attend). All students take a UEA Level 3 Extended Diploma (though are also offered English or Maths A levels to be taken alongside). So not quite what you asked for, but would be well worth considering if she is aiming at a career in film or TV.

What sort of opportunities do you mean?

Actually within the curriculum? Via clubs? Or supportive attitude to those who need absences because of a filming schedule?

AnotherNewt She doesn't have a career in film/tv already so really I mean clubs or even something in the curriculum if possible.

HonorHiding Thank you! That sounds really interesting.

You’re welcome @ramsamsam. And apologies for the typo - the Extended Diploma is accredited by the University of the Arts London (UAL) not UEA. It is the equivalent of 3 A levels - many of the students use it to go on to university, but a good chunk of others go straight into Film & TV careers from the academy. They have excellent access to work experience due to the strong industry links, and at the open day we heard from young people from the first cohort through the academy* who are now working at Netflix, Working Title etc.

*It only opened in September 2019, so the first cohort left in summer 2021.

HonorHiding Did you send your DC there?

@ramsamsam She’s only in Y10 but champing at the bit to put in her application this time next year. I think she’s already drafted it! The current she/we met there were so enthused and inspired, it was lovely.

*current students she met, I mean.

NB although you have missed the October open day, offer-holders are offered various opportunities to go there, meet staff and students and generally get an insight before the end of Y11. Many students will hold more than one 6th form offer and make the final decision after GCSE results, so by applying you are not actually committing and there will be time to find out more.

Maybe its worth to do a few courses at the British filmmaking institute. They are only 6 weeks long ( beware, places go so fast) so she can do 2 or 3 and put these on her application.